Miniature Pinscher

Canis lupus

Last updated: May 27, 2024
Verified by: AZ Animals Staff
iStock.com/anytka

Stable rodents were kept in check by using it as a barnyard ratter.


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Miniature Pinscher Scientific Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Scientific Name
Canis lupus

Read our Complete Guide to Classification of Animals.

Miniature Pinscher Conservation Status

Miniature Pinscher Locations

Miniature Pinscher Locations

Miniature Pinscher Facts

Fun Fact
Stable rodents were kept in check by using it as a barnyard ratter.
Most Distinctive Feature
Its high stepping, hackney gait.
Temperament
High energy, brave and intelligent.
Diet
Omnivore
Average Litter Size
3-6 puppies.

Miniature Pinscher Physical Characteristics

Color
  • Grey
  • Fawn
  • Red
  • Blue
  • Black
  • Chocolate
Skin Type
Hair
Top Speed
15 mph
Lifespan
15 years.

Miniature Pinscher as a Pet:

General Health
Energy Level
Shedability
Trainability
Intelligence
Tendency to Chew
Size
Family and kid friendliness
Yappiness / Barking
Moderate
Separation Anxiety
High
Preferred Temperature
Average climate
Exercise Needs
Moderate
Friendly With Other Dogs
Moderate
Pure bred cost to own
$1,000 - $3,000.
Dog group
Toy
Male weight
- lbs
Female weight
- lbs

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The Miniature Pinscher comes from the German Pinscher, the Dachsund, and the Italian Greyhound. For being such a small dog, they have an incredibly high gait that no other pup can boast.

Introduction

Also known as the Zwergpinscher, the miniature pinscher has been loved for decades for the playful and energetic attitude for which it is known. Raised in Germany, this breed was originally intended to hunt rats that snuck into farms. Most owners dock their tails and crop their ears, reducing the maintenance that their body requires (which is already minimal). As comedic and excited as this breed is, they need a lot of exercise and a patient owner to train them properly.

As a companion and a watchdog, the only thing you won’t see the miniature pinscher do is become a lazy lap dog.

Owning a Miniature Pinscher: 3 Pros and Cons

Pros! Cons!
Barely sheds: This dog has a short and smooth coat, but the best part about it is the lack of upkeep. No excess dog hair around the house!May be difficult to train: Though intelligent, the miniature pinscher prefers playtime to training time. Their lack of focus and high energy may be difficult to keep controlled during these sessions.
Small enough for an apartment: The miniature pinscher ordinarily has an energetic temperament, but it can acclimate well to a small apartment with the right exercise.Howling: To make themselves known, their confidence can make them think they are much tougher than they are, alerting their owner to any noise or stranger with barking and howling.
Incredibly playful: Almost all the miniature pinscher wants to do is play around with their family, bringing hours and years of joy to any owner.Escape artist: Since this dog’s ability to jump is so impressive, they tend to wander off if left without supervision.

Size and Weight

Miniature pincher - pups sitting together
Miniature pinschers have soft, smooth coats that are easy to maintain.

As a toy breed, the miniature pinscher’s naturally big energy and confidence does not translate to its size. This dog only stands about 10-12 inches tall. They weigh about 8-11 pounds, though females are at the lower range for their full size. Teacup miniature pinschers are much smaller, only reaching about half the size of an already small min-pin.

Height (Male):10-12 inches
Height (Female):10-11 inches
Weight (Male): 8-10 pounds, fully grown
Weight (Female): 8-9 pounds, fully grown

Common Health Issues

Miniature pinscher - sitting on rock in water

Miniature Pinschers are prone to hypothyroidism and heart issues

With an average cost of $2,000 per puppy, you will be happy to learn that the miniature pinscher (or the Zwergpinscher) is a rather healthy animal.

No matter their age, this dog is prone to heart issues, which is likely the result of their mixed breeding before they became the pet that they are today. Shopping with a trustworthy breeder or rescue can reduce this risk, but the pup should be brought to a vet for regular visits to ensure their health.

Hypothyroidism is also a concern. If their thyroid gland is not properly functioning, weight gain and even obesity could be in their future. If your dog starts to unexpectedly gain weight without any dietary changes, bring them to the vet to learn more.

Progressive retinal atrophy affects the eyes, leading to blindness without early intervention. Epilepsy and patellar luxation are also concerns. Still, with the right care, this min pin could surpass its typical 14-year lifespan. Overall, the health concerns that could impact this small dog include:

  • Heart defects
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Progressive retinal atrophy
  • Epilepsy
  • Patellar luxation

Temperament and Behavior

Miniature pinscher - red min-pin portrait

Miniature pinschers are known for their fearlessness, alertness, and high energy levels

If you adopt a min-pin, the first thing you’ll notice is their incredibly excitable and energetic personality. These dogs seem to be constantly moving for one reason or another, which is why they are often called the “hummingbird” dog. They like to be the boss, but they also like to be the center of attention for everyone around them.

As small as this dog is, it certainly doesn’t act like it. Their proud and fearless behavior are admirable traits of any breed, but the combination with their loving temperament for their owner makes it a great dog for any home. Their intelligence is sometimes rather sneaky, but it is also hilarious in the right situations.

Since they like to play so much, you would think that their energy runs out. That is not the case. However, even as the min-pin gets older, they are still just as playful as they were as puppies. They love affection from their older members of the household, but they may not be as willing around children and other dogs. Even with their high energy, the min-pin can adapt to nearly any living situation, even in an apartment.

However, they are incredibly sensitive, making them acutely aware of their surroundings. They don’t like to be cornered or tied down, and their otherwise loving traits with family do not translate to young children or strangers with grabby hands. They will seclude themselves to be left alone if needed, but they mostly have an active nature.

How to Take Care of Miniature Pinscher

Keeping any puppy or adult dog as a new pet requires care and consideration. There are specific foods, exercise, and training that the min-pin will need to become a comfortable member of the family. Here are a few of the ways that you can support your dog’s health and make them feel welcome.

The Best Dog Food for Miniature Pinschers

Miniature pinscher

Miniature pinscher

First and foremost, the miniature pinscher needs high-quality dog food. While the total amount that they need will vary with factors like their age, build, and activity, the average min pin should divide a half-cup or a full cup of dry dog food into two meals. More active dogs will be able to handle more food. Avoid issues with obesity by removing this food from their reach between meals.

Puppies also need high-quality food, but owners should seek out variations that are specifically meant for this age. Puppy food has more nutrients for growing pets, helping them to strengthen their bones and joints during this crucial stage of development.

Don’t overlook this breed’s susceptibility to heart defects, and bring it up with your vet. Also, get up-to-date on the connection between heart failure in dogs and dog food containing legumes. This may lead you to choose legume-free dog food.

A-Z Animals prefers Wellness CORE Small Breed Dry Dog Food with Wholesome Grains, High Protein Dog Food as the best dog food for Miniature Pinschers.

That’s due to the chicken and turkey providing glucosamine and chondroitin for more resilient joints, plus calcium and phosphorus for extra peace of mind in the form of strong bones and cartilage. Additionally, the carrots lend themselves to eye health, especially combined with taurine which supports the eyes and heart.

Click this link to buy Wellness CORE Small Breed dog food on Chewy and Amazon.

Best High Protein for Small Breeds
Wellness CORE Wholesome Grains Small Breed Original Recipe High Protein Dry Dog Food
  • Chicken and turkey meal, deboned chicken recipe for small dog breeds
  • Levels of taurine for heart health
  • Promotes lean muscles and lean body mass
  • No legumes, potatoes, fillers, artificial colors or flavors
Check Chewy Check Amazon

Maintenance and Grooming

Even though the miniature pinscher doesn’t shed much, they still require some brushing and shampooing to keep their coat soft and smooth. A thin bristle brush should be all you need for this upkeep, even if you find a small teacup min-pin. This pup is not built for cold weather, so they may need a small sweater or a blanket to keep warm during the winter and fall months.

Training

miniature pinscher laying on grass

Miniature pinschers’ assertive nature and stubbornness mean they may be a challenge for first-time pet owners

The miniature pinscher is not a good breed for a first-time pet owner. They require time, effort, and a lot of patience to train with their high energy and assertive temperament. Positive reinforcement with small treats, but these treats should be restricted to avoid causing obesity. Though puppies and adults are a bit stubborn and resistant at first, they will obey consistently once they learn the commands.

Exercise

Anyone who wants a happier miniature pinscher needs to give them plenty to do. These dogs love any activity that involves physical exertion, whether they get to jump around, play with toys, or run around. Make sure to give this pup at least 30 to 60 minutes of exercise in the form of a walk or outdoor playtime to fulfill their need to move around. With the right balance, they can live just about anywhere.

Puppies

Miniature pinscher puppy

Miniature pinscher puppies must be socialized early and given a great deal of attention

Even from a young act, miniature pinscher puppies pack a lot of energy into a small package. When they are young, they tend to chew on whatever they can find. Keeping small objects outside of their reach is essential to their health.
Puppies will require a lot of attention from their new owner, helping them to form a strong and trusting bond. They are not meant to be left outdoors, and they shouldn’t even be kept in a cage if at all possible. Giving them the chance to bond by sleeping nearby will help with their separation anxiety.

To prevent the onset of an “alpha” mentality, make sure to introduce this puppy to humans and animals while they are still young to make them more adaptable.

Children

The miniature pinscher can be playful, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they are right for children. Due to their small size (especially if you get a teacup min-pin), other humans can be rather intimidating. For better odds of a pleasant relationship with children, they should be raised around kids, and these small human companions should be taught the correct way (and incorrect way) to handle them with supervision.

Dogs similar to Miniature Pinscher

Types of terrier dogs

German pinschers are also larger versions of miniature pinschers and are renowned for their intelligence

If the miniature pinscher just isn’t the right temperament or size, there are plenty of other dogs that could work. The German Pinscher, dachshund, and Italian greyhound are all great options.

  • German Pinscher – The min-pin is simply a smaller version of the German Pinscher. Their eager and intelligent personality makes them easy pups to train. Plus, they don’t shed!
  • Dachshund – Dachshunds are also small in size like the min-pin, but they are much more kid-friendly for families. They even do well in apartments, despite needing consistent exercise.
  • Italian Greyhound – Tall and sleek, this dog has all the appeal of not shedding that the minature pinscher has, but with a much greater height. They are a well-known breed that dates back to anceint Greece.

Famous Miniature Pinscher

Miniature pinschers have been around for quite a while, finding their home with celebrities around the world. Joey Fatone loves these pups as does Michelle Jones. Even though they are the 47th most popular breed, their energetic nature makes it difficult to cast them in movies.

A few of the common names to consider for your new Miniature Pinscher include:

  • Bella
  • Coco
  • Roxy
  • Lily
  • Penny
  • Rocky
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What's the right dog for you?

Dogs are our best friends but which breed is your perfect match?

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Small
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Large
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If you have kids or existing dogs select:

Kids
Other Dogs

Should they be Hypoallergenic?

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No
How important is health?
Which dog groups do you like?
How much exercise should your dog require?
What climate?
How much seperation anxiety?
How much yappiness/barking?

How much energy should they have?

The lower energy the better.
I want a cuddle buddy!
About average energy.
I want a dog that I have to chase after constantly!
All energy levels are great -- I just love dogs!
How much should they shed?
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How much chewing will allow?
About the Author

I love good books and the occasional cartoon. I am also endlessly intrigued with the beauty of nature and find hummingbirds, puppies, and marine wildlife to be the most magical creatures of all.

Miniature Pinscher FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

Are Miniature Pinschers good family dogs?

The Miniature Pinscher may be too fragile for a family with very young children, but with older children who understand the boundaries of pet care, the Miniature Pinscher is great for families.

Are min-pins cuddly?

As long as they are given a minimal amount of exercise, the min-pin will be happy to cuddle with you and be very affectionate.

How much does a miniature pinscher cost?

A reputable breeder can sell Min-Pins for $1,000 to $3,000, depending on pedigree, age, sex, and where it is purchased.

Do Miniature Pinscher shed a lot?

They shed very little, and you can easily remove the hair with a thin bristle brush twice a week.

How long does Miniature Pinscher live?

With proper care and no general health problems, the average lifespan of miniature pinschers can be 15 years or longer.

What are the differences between Manchester terriers and Miniature Pinschers?

The main differences between Manchester terriers and miniature pinschers are size, color, build, and temperament.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia / Accessed August 19, 2021
  2. Dog Breed Info / Accessed August 19, 2021
  3. dog breeds list / Accessed August 19, 2021
  4. My Pin Nation / Accessed August 19, 2021
  5. The Dog People / Accessed August 19, 2021
  6. dogster / Accessed August 19, 2021
  7. Trudog / Accessed August 19, 2021